Kihika Expands Health Access As Karagita Health Centre Upgrade Hits 98 Percent

By Staff Writer

Residents of Karagita and neighboring communities are set to access expanded inpatient and outpatient services as construction of a modern health block at Karagita Health Centre nears completion.

The one-storey block, developed through a partnership between the County Government of Nakuru, Farm Africa and White Rose Flamingo Farm, is expected to increase the facility’s capacity and bring more comprehensive medical services closer to residents in Naivasha Sub-County.

Nakuru County Health Infrastructure Coordinator Gerald Maina said the project is more than 98 percent complete, marking a major step in the county’s plan to expand health services in fast-growing settlements around Naivasha.

“This project is now over 98 percent complete, and once operational, it will significantly expand inpatient and outpatient services for the people of Karagita and neighboring communities,” Maina said.

The new block will house inpatient medical wards and outpatient services, a development expected to ease congestion, reduce referrals and improve access to treatment for residents of Karagita and surrounding areas.

Maina, who spoke during an inspection tour of the project, said the county and its partners were working to ensure the upgraded facility is completed within the expected timelines and opened for public use.

“Our focus is to ensure the remaining works are completed to the required standards so that residents can begin benefiting from a modern, accessible and patient-centred facility,” Maina said.

He said quality, speed and coordination among stakeholders remain critical as the county moves to finalize the remaining works and prepare the facility for service delivery.

Karagita Health Centre is an operational Level Three public health facility in Hellsgate Ward, Naivasha Sub-County, offering key primary healthcare services including general outpatient care, child immunization, antenatal care, postnatal care, TB diagnosis and treatment, HIV services, laboratory services and family planning.

The facility has mainly served residents seeking outpatient and primary healthcare services, making the new block a major upgrade in strengthening bed capacity and expanding access to inpatient care.

The upgrade comes as Nakuru County continues to invest in health infrastructure under Governor Susan Kihika’s administration, with the county focusing on building, equipping and upgrading facilities to improve access to quality care closer to residents.

“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when the county government and development partners work together to bring essential healthcare closer to the people,” Maina said.

County records show Nakuru has been pursuing decentralized healthcare through major infrastructure projects, including new and upgraded Level Four hospitals, outpatient departments and specialized units across several sub-counties.

Among the ongoing and completed projects are upgrades at Subukia Level Four Hospital, Rongai Level Four Hospital, Kuresoi North Level Four Hospital in Kiptororo, Olenguruone Level Four Health Centre and Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital.

The county has also been investing in primary healthcare networks, digital health systems, diagnostic equipment and community health services as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening preventive, promotive and curative healthcare.

In Bahati, the county has supported health infrastructure through projects such as Githiora Health Centre, Mugwathi Githiorio Dispensary, Kiwamu Health Centre and improved diagnostic services at Bahati Sub-County Hospital.

Nakuru has also pursued digital health reforms, including electronic medical records, improved facility management systems and partnerships aimed at modernizing services at key referral facilities.

The county’s latest health sector reports indicate progress in facility upgrades, operationalization of new health centers, and renovation of existing facilities and expansion of community health services across wards.

However, the county has also reported delays in some major projects due to pending payments and implementation challenges in the previous administrations, with follow-ups ongoing to accelerate completion and improve service delivery.

Beyond infrastructure, Nakuru has been strengthening community health systems through Community Health Promoters, household visits, referrals, public health surveillance and preventive healthcare interventions.

According to Governor Susan Kihika, the ongoing infrastructural projects are part of her administration’s wider strategy to expand primary care, strengthen referral systems, modernize public facilities and reduce pressure on higher-level hospitals across the county.